Kortrijk continues with the lowering of the Leie borders, with garden and terraces

From next year, the reconstruction of the Leie banks between the Leiebrug and the Handelskaai will start. Just like a little further on at the Broeltorens, the banks of the Leie will be lowered with room for larger terraces. There will also be a public garden and a hundred parking spaces will make way for the same number of trees. Axel Weydts, alderman for public works Kortrijk: “And on the side of the Reepkaai we will also provide pontoons for pleasure craft. It will be possible to rent boats. You will also be able to go kayaking or supping.”

The lowered Leie banks on the Broeltorens were completed in 2018, and the project received the prize for best public space. Wout Maddens, Alderman for Urban Renewal of Kortrijk: “We are actually very happy that we can continue the same principles. That is why we started working with the landscape architect Michel Desvigne, who is also responsible for the reconstruction of historic Kortrijk and the the first phase of lowering the banks of the Leie. We will continue that same look and feel.”

The quays, including an adaptation of the Castle Bridge, must be ready before 2025. But even then the work is not finished. “The Leie bridge, on the other hand, is due for replacement, it is on the list of bridges to be replaced and will go away from 2025. The bridge will be completely renovated.”

The works together cost 9.5 million euros, of which the Flemish Waterway pays more than 4 million.